The iPhone 14 event is right around the corner and we're anxious to see a few key improvements in Apple's latest handets.
I love portable technology—if you can put it in a pocket or a bag, I’m probably into it. I’ve covered phones and tablets of all shapes and sizes, and reviewed everything from game consoles to laptops in my decade-plus career. Prior to joining PCMag, I wrote articles for Android Authority, How-To Geek, MUO, New Atlas, Tom’s Hardware, and plenty of other tech publications.
We won't need to speculate about iPhone 14 rumors and leaks for much longer, as Apple is almost certainly revealing its latest iPhone lineup at its Far Out event set for Sept. 7. But, because we're so close to the launch, we started to ponder what we want from the iPhone 14 family. Here is our (mostly realistic) short list:
One feature we miss from older iPhone models is the fingerprint scanner that was baked into the home button. Sure, Face ID is a perfectly acceptable method for unlocking your iPhone, but accessing your phone with a quick tap of your finger is often more convenient.
Dedicated fingerprint scanners have improved dramatically since Apple ditched the Touch ID-enabled home button, and many Android phones now integrate readers into their displays (though some are better than others). Apple has at least indicated an interest in in-display sensors, and we're sure the company could make a reliable and accurate reader for the iPhone 14.
Aesthetically, the notch at the top of the iPhone (or any phone, for that matter) is just ugly. Although there's no perfect way to place a selfie camera in a phone with practically nonexistent bezels, hole-punch cameras at least take up less space. Apple has long embraced the notch, while most Android devices have adopted the smaller hole-punch style. We think the iPhone 14 is the perfect time for the company to change gears. This might be overly optimistic, but an under-display front camera would be even better.
The iPhone 13's 3x telephoto lens produces excellent images, but 3x zoom isn't all that impressive compared with the Galaxy S22 Ultra and its 10x optical zoom lens. Some rumors indicate that the iPhone 14 Pro models will sport a thicker camera module, so we can imagine a new periscope lens that zooms a bit farther.
Yes, we'd love it if all iPhone models received a 10x optical zoom lens, but we expect Apple to restrict such a feature to the Pro models. Needless to say, more reach from the zoom lens would transform the iPhone into an even more capable photography tool.
The Lightning connector works fine, but just about every other device on the planet uses USB-C and it's long past time for Apple to switch over to the more universal standard. In fact, it already uses USB-C on the MacBook Air, the iPad Pro, and the iPad mini. Additionally, new laws in Europe will require all phones to use the same connector type in just a few years. A USB-C connector also unlocks the possibility for faster data transfer speeds.
Will it happen this time around? We're not sure. But we're confident that Apple will change over to USB-C eventually (either as a result of a legal obligation or just to standardize its product lineup). In the meantime, you can prepare by switching to a fast USB-C charger.
MagSafe is great. It makes wireless charging a bit easier by magnetically locking the wireless charging pad to the back of the phone so you always know you're in the right spot. MagSafe can, however, be a little faster. Currently, it supports wireless charging speeds up to 15W. That's fine, but wouldn't it be nice if you could charge at a quicker rate? The technology for faster wireless charging exists—OnePlus (Opens in a new window) offers 50W wireless chargers for its phones.
Will this actually happen? The rumor mill has been fairly quiet on whether we should expect any new developments in the wireless charging department. But if Apple wants to get a leg up on Google and Samsung, adopting speedier wireless charging could be a great way to accomplish that goal.
We recently spent a lot of time with the new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and enjoyed the experience. Switching between small and large screens is revelatory, and we want more people to experience that joy. That's why we hope Apple announces a foldable iPhone at its Far Out event. It's a long shot for sure, but Apple usually likes at least one mic-drop moment at its events. And what would be more surprising than a folding iPhone?
If you care about more than just the iPhone 14 lineup, here are some other announcements we expect from the Far Out event. And if you're committed to Android, make sure to check out our wish list for the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.
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I love portable technology—if you can put it in a pocket or a bag, I’m probably into it. I’ve covered phones and tablets of all shapes and sizes, and reviewed everything from game consoles to laptops in my decade-plus career. Prior to joining PCMag, I wrote articles for Android Authority, How-To Geek, MUO, New Atlas, Tom’s Hardware, and plenty of other tech publications.
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